Deaf Education Communication Facilitator-(25-26 SY)-Special Education

                                                      IRVING INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

JOB TITLE: Deaf Education Communication Facilitator     REPORTS TO: Supervisor of the Regional Day School for the Deaf     

WAGE/HOUR STATUS:    Nonexempt                           FUNDING SOURCE: 435 RDSPD                                     

PAY GRADE: Paraprofessional 050 (187 Days)               DATE REVISED:    March 2023

Disclaimer: This is a grant-funded position. Funds for this position are expected to be available up to the end of the school year. In addition to other specified conditions of employment, the applicant understands that no guarantee of continued employment, beyond the availability of the grant funds, is expressed or implied by Irving Independent School District.

A Letter of Assurance will be issued for this position.

PRIMARY PURPOSE:     Facilitate clear and effective communication to and for Deaf/Hard of Hearing students and assist teachers of the Deaf in the preparation of deaf education classroom activities and RDSPD administrative requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Education/Certification: 

• High School Diploma or GED
• Educational Aide I Paraprofessional Certificate 

 Preferred:

• 15 hours of college credits in an ITP
• At least one attempt in taking the BEI/RID performance test OR proof of registering for a performance test once a year, if applicable

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Proficient in American Sign Language and/or CASE/SEE/PSE
• The ability to sign in an educational environment
• Ability to work well with children (3-21 years old)
• Knowledge of general office equipment
• Familiar with RID Code of Ethics

Minimum Experience: 

Experience working directly with adults or children that are Deaf or Hard of hearing   

Experience working with children/students, parents, or persons with disabilities.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

1. Uphold and enforce school rules, administrative regulations, and state and local board policy.
2. Assist the teacher of the Deaf in preparing instructional materials and classroom displays.
3. Work with individual Deaf/Hard of Hearing students and small groups to conduct instructional exercises assigned by the teacher.
4. Assist with the administration in scoring of objective testing instruments or work assignments within the Deaf Education classroom.
5. Assist in supervising Deaf/Hard of Hearing students throughout the school day, both inside and outside the classroom.
6. Keep the teacher and informed of any special needs or problems of individual Deaf Education students.
7. Assist in maintaining a neat and orderly classroom within the Deaf education classroom.
8. Assist in inventory, care, and maintenance of RDSPD equipment.
9. Assist students as needed with personal care (i.e. feeding, changing diapers, bathroom needs, etc.)
10. Assist the teacher in keeping administrative records and preparing required reports.
11. Participate in staff development training programs, faculty meetings and special events, as needed.
12. Provide orientation assistance to deaf education substitute teachers.
13. Supports classroom environment by fluent interpretation, signed or oral, to facilitate communication effectively to and by Deaf/Hard of Hearing students in the classroom
14. Attains specialized vocabulary for student classes prior to class presentation
15. Follows students’ IEP as developed by the Admission, Review and Dismissal Committee
16. Continuously improves sign language skills and level of competency
17. Assists all students as support facilitators/interpreters in the inclusion model of education
18. Attends professional development regarding support facilitation techniques and communication skills for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students
19. Performs all required documentation in a timely manner
20. Performs all other tasks and duties as assigned by RDSPD Supervisor or teacher of the Deaf
21. Only performs duties related to the State Deaf grant 100%; All federally funded incumbents of this position must comply with time and effort reporting requirements through personnel activity reports or periodic certification, as appropriate 

EQUIPMENT USED: 

            Copier, facsimile, computer/peripherals, adaptive equipment

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:   

Reading; ability to communicate effectively (verbal and sign language)

Maintain emotional control under stress

May be required to lift or transfer students to and from wheelchair or assist with positioning students with physical disabilities

Possible exposure to biological hazards, bacteria, and communicable diseases

Frequent standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, pushing, and pulling

Safety:  Contribute to the prevention of accidents and injuries by observing safety rules and District policy, practicing the principles and skills taught in safety training, wearing personal protective equipment as required, reporting injuries and incidences immediately to supervisor, and being proactive in the ongoing efforts to improve and maintain workplace safety.

The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills that may be required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

This is an in-person position. Work from home is not allowed unless approved by the Superintendent. 

Salary : $17 - $26